Trust apologises over DNA failings

An NHS Trust has apologised for “inexcusable failings” at a sexual assault referral centre in London after complaints that samples were not sent to forensic laboratories for DNA tests.

Two staff members have been dismissed from the Haven in Whitechapel and the centre is under new management.

NHS England said results from some samples had also not been passed on. It said 93 clients were affected.

Barts Health NHS Trust said swift action was taken to retest samples.

An NHS England spokesman said “a serious incident was raised” in 2011 and “an immediate investigation carried out” at the Haven in Whitechapel.

“This investigation unearthed a further issue of results from samples having been received but not passed on to clients,” he added.

“A total of 93 clients were affected by the two issues.”

Confidential report

Since April 2013, when NHS England was established, the commissioning arrangements for the Haven have changed.

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We are extremely sorry for the inexcusable failings at the Whitechapel Haven”

End QuoteBarts Health NHS Trust

NHS England said all three Havens in London – in Whitechapel, Paddington and Camberwell – were now managed by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Camberwell and Paddington Havens were not affected by the incident.

The Haven in Whitechapel has reopened but is yet to provide a full 24-hour service.

Barts Health NHS Trust said in a statement: “We are extremely sorry for the inexcusable failings at the Whitechapel Haven.

“As soon as we became aware that there was an issue in 2011, we took swift and immediate action to ensure that all the affected samples were retested and contacted the individuals involved to offer a full apology, support and counselling.”

The Independent newspaper says it has seen a confidential report into the incident, obtained by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.